What Is Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery?

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) surgery is a vision correction procedure that involves the implantation of a collamer lens in the eye. The collamer lens is made of a biocompatible material that is compatible with the natural tissues of the eye. ICL surgery is a popular alternative to LASIK or SMILE for individuals who are not good candidates for it due to thin corneas or other factors. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea and the collamer lens is inserted behind the iris and in front of the natural lens of the eye. The collamer lens corrects vision by focusing light directly on the retina, improving your ability to see clearly at various distances. 

ICL surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. ICL eye surgery is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications.

 

ICL Surgery Procedure

The ICL eye surgery procedure involves several steps:

1. Preoperative evaluation: Before the surgery, an ophthalmologist will perform a thorough evaluation of your eyes to determine if you are a good candidate for ICL surgery.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the eye and ensure a pain-free procedure.
3. Incision: A small incision is made in the cornea to allow access to the eye’s natural lens.
4. Lens insertion: The collamer lens is folded and inserted through the incision into the eye.
5. Positioning and centering: The lens is carefully positioned and centered behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.
6. Incision closure: The incision is hydrated and self seals without the need for sutures
7. Recovery: After the procedure, you will be given eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. You may experience some discomfort and vision fluctuations during the initial recovery period.
8. Follow-up visits: You will need to attend follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor your healing and vision correction progress.

 

ICL Surgery – How It Works? 

ICL eye surgery works by implanting a collamer lens in the eye to correct vision problems.

Before the procedure, you will undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine your eligibility for ICL surgery.

During the procedure, the ophthalmologist will make a small incision in the cornea and insert the folded collamer lens behind the iris and in front of the natural lens.

After the procedure, you will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, such as using prescribed eye drops, attending follow-up visits, and avoiding strenuous activities.

 

Recovery Time of ICL Surgery

The recovery time after ICL eye surgery varies from person to person, but most individuals can resume normal activities within a few days.

• In the first few days following the surgery, you may experience some discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
• Your surgeon will provide you with eye drops to help with the healing process and prevent infection.
• It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes and to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon.
• Full recovery and stabilization of vision can take 1-2, during which your vision may continue to improve.
• During the recovery period, it is important to attend all follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

 

Risks & Complications of ICL Surgery

ICL eye surgery is generally considered safe and has a high success rate, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications.

Possible risks and complications of ICL surgery include:

• Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection after ICL operation. Your surgeon will prescribe antibiotic eye drops to reduce this risk.
• Increased intraocular pressure: In some cases, the ICL can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. Regular monitoring of intraocular pressure is important for a few weeks after surgery.
• Cataract formation: In rare cases, the ICL can accelerate the development of cataracts. Regular eye exams will help detect any early signs of cataract formation.
• Endothelial cell loss: The surgery may cause a slight decrease in the number of endothelial cells in the cornea. This is usually not significant and does not affect vision.
• Night vision disturbances: Some individuals may experience halos, glare, or other night vision disturbances after ICL surgery. These symptoms are usually temporary and improve over time.

It is important to discuss these risks and potential complications with your surgeon before undergoing ICL operation.

 

Dos & Don’ts Post ICL Surgery

After ICL eye surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a smooth recovery and optimal visual outcomes. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

Dos:

1. Use prescribed eye drops as instructed to prevent infection and promote healing.
2. Attend all follow-up visits with your surgeon to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
3. Protect your eyes from direct sunlight by wearing sunglasses when outdoors for the first few days.
4. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands before applying eye drops or touching your eyes.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can increase the risk of infection and interfere with the healing process.
2. Avoid swimming or immersing your head in water, such as in pools, hot tubs, or saunas, for at least two weeks.
3. Avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or exercises that increase intraocular pressure, for a few weeks.
4. Avoid wearing eye makeup for at least one week to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Avoid exposing your eyes to irritants, such as dust, smoke, or chemical fumes.

 

Types of ICL Surgery Lens

There are different types of collamer lenses used in ICL eye surgery, each designed to address specific vision problems.

1. ICL (Spherical): This type of collamer lens is used to correct nearsightedness / farsightedness. It is a flexible lens that can be folded and inserted through a small incision.
2. Toric Implantable Collamer Lens: This type of collamer lens is used to correct astigmatism. It has additional cylindrical power to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea associated with astigmatism.

During the preoperative evaluation, your surgeon will measure various parameters of your eyes to ensure the correct lens power and size are selected.

 

Benefits of Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery

ICL procedure offers several benefits for individuals seeking vision correction:

High success rate: ICL surgery has a high success rate in providing clear and improved vision.

Wide range of vision correction: ICL eye surgery can correct a wide range of vision problems, including nearsightedness (-30D), farsightedness(+10D), and astigmatism(5D).

Permanent vision correction: The collamer lens is designed to provide permanent vision correction, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses.

Natural-looking results: The collamer lens is transparent and biocompatible, blending seamlessly with the natural tissues of the eye and providing natural-looking results.

Quick recovery: Most individuals experience a relatively quick recovery after ICL operation and can resume normal activities within a few days.

Reversible procedure: Unlike some other vision correction procedures, ICL surgery is reversible. If necessary, the collamer lens can be removed or replaced in the future.

Suitable for individuals with thin corneas: ICL eye surgery is a suitable option for individuals with thin corneas who may not be good candidates for other vision correction procedures.

 

Who Is a Candidate for Implantable Collamer Lens Surgery?

ICL  surgery is a suitable option for individuals who:

• Are at least 21 years old

• Have stable vision prescription

• Have nearsightedness (-30D), farsightedness (+10D), or astigmatism (5D)

• Have healthy eyes with no underlying eye diseases or conditions

• Have sufficient anterior chamber depth and iridocorneal angle

It is important to undergo a thorough evaluation with an experienced ophthalmologist to determine if you are a good candidate for ICL operation.

 

Implantable Collamer Lens or ICL Surgery Cost

ICL surgery cost varies based on factors like the type of ICL, surgeon’s expertise, hospital charges, and technology used. Expenses may include preoperative evaluations, post-operative care, and insurance coverage. You must research thoroughly and consult with ophthalmologists to understand their options and associated costs. At Planet Lasik, its cost starts from ₹85,000 per eye or ₹170,000 for both eyes.

 

Why Choose Planet Lasik For ICL Surgery?

Choosing the right provider for your ICL operation is crucial for a successful outcome and a positive experience. Here are some reasons to choose Planet Lasik by Centre For Sight for your ICL surgery:

Experienced surgeons: Planet Lasik has a team of highly experienced ophthalmologists who specialize in vision correction procedures, including ICL surgery.

State-of-the-art facilities: Planet Lasik is equipped with advanced technology and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the highest level of safety and precision.

Personalized care: The team at Planet Lasik takes a personalized approach to each patient’s care, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met.

Comprehensive preoperative evaluation: Before the surgery, Planet Lasik performs a thorough evaluation of your eyes to determine your eligibility for ICL surgery and to customize the treatment plan.

If you are considering ICL surgery, schedule a consultation with Planet Lasik to discuss your options and determine if it is the right choice for you.